Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble ethanol fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.